Rising coach Kingsbury leaves A&M to go 'home'

Updated 12:31 pm, Thursday, December 13, 2012

Kliff Kingsbury, who enjoyed a successful first season as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, becomes the second-youngest head coach in FBS after taking the reins at Texas Tech.

Kliff Kingsbury, who enjoyed a successful first season as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, becomes the second-youngest head coach in FBS after taking the reins at Texas Tech.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

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Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (left), QB Johnny Manziel and coach Kevin Sumlin formed a dynamic trio that led to a historic season during the Aggies’ first year in the SEC.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (left), QB Johnny Manziel and coach Kevin Sumlin formed a dynamic trio that led to a historic season during the Aggies’ first year in the SEC.

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Texas Tech head football coach Kliff Kingsbury, center top, gets his team ready for a spring practice in Lubbock, Texas, Sunday, March 24, 2013. At 33-years-old, the former Texas Tech star quarterback is the youngest head coach of a BCS school heading into his first year as leading the football program. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

Texas Tech head football coach Kliff Kingsbury, center top, gets his team ready for a spring practice in Lubbock, Texas, Sunday, March 24, 2013. At 33-years-old, the former Texas Tech star quarterback is the ... more

Photo: LM Otero, Associated Press

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Texas Tech head football coach Kliff Kingsbury claps with his players during spring team football practice in Lubbock, Texas, Sunday, March 24, 2013. At 33-years-old, the former Texas Tech star quarterback is the youngest head coach of a BCS school heading into his first year as a head coach. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

Texas Tech head football coach Kliff Kingsbury claps with his players during spring team football practice in Lubbock, Texas, Sunday, March 24, 2013. At 33-years-old, the former Texas Tech star quarterback is ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Texas A&M offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury adjusts his headset as he paces the sidelines against Missouri during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Texas A&M offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury adjusts his headset as he paces the sidelines against Missouri during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

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NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Kliff Kingsbury quarterback Johnny Manziel of the Texas A&M University Aggies pose after being named the 78th Heisman Memorial Trophy Award winner at a press conference at the Marriott Marquis on December 8, 2012 in New York City. less

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Kliff Kingsbury quarterback Johnny Manziel of the Texas A&M University Aggies pose after being named the 78th Heisman Memorial Trophy ... more

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, center, is joined by coach Kevin Sumlin, right, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after becoming the first freshman to win college football's ... more

Texas A&M offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury celebrates after a touchdown against Missouri during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Texas A&M offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury celebrates after a touchdown against Missouri during an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

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University of Houston co-offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury speaks with freshman quarterback David Piland during a game against Central Florida on Nov. 5, 2010, at Robertson Stadium in Houston. Kingsbury, a former New Braunfels and Texas Tech quarterback is the new offensive coordinator at Texas A&M. Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle less

University of Houston co-offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury speaks with freshman quarterback David Piland during a game against Central Florida on Nov. 5, 2010, at Robertson Stadium in Houston. Kingsbury, a ... more

Photo: Nick De La Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Kliff Kingsbury, 2009 mug shot University of Houston

Kliff Kingsbury, 2009 mug shot University of Houston

Photo: Thomas Campbell

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 26: Quarterback Kliff Kingsbury #12 of the New Orleans Saints avoids a tackle by defensive lineman Walter Curry #72 of the Baltimore Ravens during their preseason game on August 26, 2005 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ravens defeated the Saints 21-6. less

NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 26: Quarterback Kliff Kingsbury #12 of the New Orleans Saints avoids a tackle by defensive lineman Walter Curry #72 of the Baltimore Ravens during their preseason game on August 26, 2005 ... more

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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SPORTS Kliff Kingsbury throws to receivers during practice at Trinity for the New Orleans Saints. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FOOTBALL PRACTICE AT TRINITY AND ALAMO STADIUM TOM REEL/STAFF SEPTEMBER 15, 2004.

SPORTS Kliff Kingsbury throws to receivers during practice at Trinity for the New Orleans Saints. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FOOTBALL PRACTICE AT TRINITY AND ALAMO STADIUM TOM REEL/STAFF SEPTEMBER 15, 2004.

Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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New England Patriots quarterback Kliff Kingsbury during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 2, 2003, in Foxboro, Mass. Kingsbury, drafted in the sixth round of this year's NFL draft out of Texas Tech, threw 45 scoring passes last year for Texas Tech, and hopes to stick with New England. less

New England Patriots quarterback Kliff Kingsbury during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 2, 2003, in Foxboro, Mass. Kingsbury, drafted in the sixth round of this year's NFL draft out of Texas Tech, threw 45 scoring ... more

Photo: JIM ROGASH, AP

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New Braunfels grad Kliff Kingsbury rewrote, Texas Tech, Big 12 and NCAA records with 12,423 yards while completing 65.3 percent of his passes (1,229 of 1,881) with 95 TDs and 40 interceptions for the Red Raiders from 1999 to 2002. He earned a Super Bowl ring while on the injured reserve with the New England Patriots in 2003. He is now the offensive coordinator at A&M, guiding Tivy grad Johnny Manziel. less

New Braunfels grad Kliff Kingsbury rewrote, Texas Tech, Big 12 and NCAA records with 12,423 yards while completing 65.3 percent of his passes (1,229 of 1,881) with 95 TDs and 40 interceptions for the Red ... more

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Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury passes for the North (Kai) team in the first half of the Hula Bowl game Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Wailuku, Hawaii on the island of Maui.

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury passes for the North (Kai) team in the first half of the Hula Bowl game Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Wailuku, Hawaii on the island of Maui.

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury directs the Texas Tech band after defeating Clemson in the Mazda Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Monday Dec. 23, 2002. Kingsbury became the third Division I-A player to top 5,000 yards passing in a season, throwing for 375 and three touchdowns as Texas Tech defeated Clemson 55-15 in the Tangerine Bowl on Monday night. less

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury directs the Texas Tech band after defeating Clemson in the Mazda Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Monday Dec. 23, 2002. Kingsbury became the third Division I-A player to ... more

Photo: PHELAN EBENHACK, AP

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Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) celebrates with teammate Taurean Henderson after Henderson scored against Clemson during the second quarter of the Mazda Tangerine Bowl on Monday, Dec. 23, 2002 in Orlando, Fla. less

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) celebrates with teammate Taurean Henderson after Henderson scored against Clemson during the second quarter of the Mazda Tangerine Bowl on Monday, Dec. 23, 2002 in ... more

Photo: SCOTT AUDETTER, AP

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Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury points to the crowd after throwing a touchdown pass against Clemson in the fourth quarter at the Mazda Tangerine Bowl on Monday, Dec. 23, 2002 in Orlando, Fla.

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury points to the crowd after throwing a touchdown pass against Clemson in the fourth quarter at the Mazda Tangerine Bowl on Monday, Dec. 23, 2002 in Orlando, Fla.

** FILE ** Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach, left, talks to quarterback Kliff Kingsbury during the game against Mississippi on Sept. 14, 2002, in Lubbock, Texas. Leach is one of only 10 head coaches in Division I-A college football who also serve as their own offensive coordinators. less

** FILE ** Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach, left, talks to quarterback Kliff Kingsbury during the game against Mississippi on Sept. 14, 2002, in Lubbock, Texas. Leach is one of only 10 head coaches in ... more

Photo: ROBIN O'SHAUGNESSY, AP

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SPORTS - Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury celebrates with headf coach Mike Leach (???) after knocking off the Longhorns 42-38.
!!NOTE!!- WILL DOUBLE CHECK IF THE COACH IS LEACH AND GET BACK TO YOU.
BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF
TEXAS AT TEXAS TECH
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2002
JONES SBC STADIUM less

SPORTS - Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury celebrates with headf coach Mike Leach (???) after knocking off the Longhorns 42-38.
!!NOTE!!- WILL DOUBLE CHECK IF THE COACH IS LEACH AND GET BACK TO YOU.
BAHRAM ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, front, reaches out to scoop up a fumble as Colorado defensive end Marques Harris comes in to cover from behind during the first quarter of a Big-12 contest at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002. less

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, front, reaches out to scoop up a fumble as Colorado defensive end Marques Harris comes in to cover from behind during the first quarter of a Big-12 contest at Folsom ... more

Photo: DAVID ZALUBOWSKI, AP

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Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury (16) throws a pass over Texas A&M's Marcus Jasmin (91) being blocked by Toby Cecil (66) in the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, in College Station, Texas. Kingsbury threw for 474 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-47 Texas Tech overtime win. less

Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury throws in the second quarter against New Mexico at University Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M., Friday, Sept. 27, 2002.

Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury throws in the second quarter against New Mexico at University Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M., Friday, Sept. 27, 2002.

Photo: JAKE SCHOELLKOPF, AP

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Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) celebrates while heading to the sidelines during the first half against Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won 42-28.

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) celebrates while heading to the sidelines during the first half against Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won 42-28.

Photo: ROBIN M. CORNETT, AP

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Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) looks for an open reciever in the second half of Texas Tech's 24-14 win over Southern Methodist, Saturday, Sept 7, 2002, in Dallas.

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) looks for an open reciever in the second half of Texas Tech's 24-14 win over Southern Methodist, Saturday, Sept 7, 2002, in Dallas.

Photo: TONY GUTIERREZ, AP

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Ohio State defensive end Will Smith (93) leaps to his feet after sacking Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) in the second quarter of the Buckeyes 45-21 victory Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, in Columbus, Ohio, Also defending on the play are Ohioi State's Will Allen (26) and Tim Anderson (54). less

Ohio State defensive end Will Smith (93) leaps to his feet after sacking Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury (16) in the second quarter of the Buckeyes 45-21 victory Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, in Columbus, ... more

Photo: TERRY GILLIAM, AP

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Tim Kingsbury, right, a former high school football coach, checks out the arm of his son, Kliff, after practice Saturday morning, Aug. 10, 2002, at the Texas Tech football practice field in Lubbock, Texas. Kliff Kingsbury, quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, led the league in passing during his junior year, with 3,502 yards and 25 touchdowns. less

Tim Kingsbury, right, a former high school football coach, checks out the arm of his son, Kliff, after practice Saturday morning, Aug. 10, 2002, at the Texas Tech football practice field in Lubbock, Texas. ... more

Texas Tech players Kliff Kingsbury, right, and Slade Hodges sign autographs for Westley Brown, 12, left, of Kissimmee, Fla., and his sister, Kristine, 11, during a visit to the Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002. Players from Clemson and Texas Tech visited the children as part of the Tangerine Bowl activites. less

Texas Tech players Kliff Kingsbury, right, and Slade Hodges sign autographs for Westley Brown, 12, left, of Kissimmee, Fla., and his sister, Kristine, 11, during a visit to the Give Kids the World Village in ... more

Photo: PHELAN M. EBENHACK, AP

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** FILE CORRECTS TO BIG 12 PLAYER OF THE YEAR ** Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, front, is chased into the end zone and brought down by Oklahoma defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson, rear, for a safety Nov. 23, 2002 in Norman, Okla. Kingsbury is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Big 12. less

** FILE CORRECTS TO BIG 12 PLAYER OF THE YEAR ** Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, front, is chased into the end zone and brought down by Oklahoma defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson, rear, for a safety Nov. ... more

SPORTS/DAILY -- Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury is sacked by Aggie players Keelan Jackson (#30) and Ron Edwards (#96) during A&M's 33-15 win over the Red Raiders in College Station Saturday afternoon Sept. 30, 2000. It was the first win for the Aggies against the Raiders in fivve years. less

SPORTS - These are courtesy photos from the University of Texas for a feature on Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury's return to Austin after getting repeatedly hit two years ago. undated photo via e-mail less

SPORTS - These are courtesy photos from the University of Texas for a feature on Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury's return to Austin after getting repeatedly hit two years ago. undated photo via ... more

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury avoids a tackle during last season's game against Oklahoma. Kingsbury looks to lead the red Raider's high-powered offense with first-year Head Coach Mike Leach. Sean Meyers Photography less

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury avoids a tackle during last season's game against Oklahoma. Kingsbury looks to lead the red Raider's high-powered offense with first-year Head Coach Mike Leach. Sean ... more

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury looks to lead a high-powered offense under new head coach Mike Leach. Sean Meyers Photography

Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury looks to lead a high-powered offense under new head coach Mike Leach. Sean Meyers Photography

Photo: Sean Meyers, Sean Meyers Photography

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New Braunfels High School. SPORTS College scholarship signees at New Braunfels High School all signed before school on Thursday. Justin Vogt with dad John, Kellye Rogers with dad Rob, Kliff Kingsbury with his dad Coach Kingsbury, Patrick Brawley with his mom Julia. Photo by Tom Reel less

New Braunfels High School. SPORTS College scholarship signees at New Braunfels High School all signed before school on Thursday. Justin Vogt with dad John, Kellye Rogers with dad Rob, Kliff Kingsbury with ... more

Photo: TOM REEL, TR Signees

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SPORTS, 12-18-97: Kliff Kingsbury,(L)18, is this yearÕs Express-News Offensive player of the year and Jarrod Meno (rt.) is the Express-News Defensive Player of the Year. Meno plays for Macarthur and Kingsbury plays for New Braunfels. TO GO WITH SUNDAY CLIFFORD BROYLES STORY. Staff Photo By: John Davenport, 97-5337. less

SPORTS, 12-18-97: Kliff Kingsbury,(L)18, is this yearÕs Express-News Offensive player of the year and Jarrod Meno (rt.) is the Express-News Defensive Player of the Year. Meno plays for Macarthur and Kingsbury ... more

COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M celebrated on campus Wednesday night with quarterback Johnny Manziel and much of the Aggie football team, who were on hand for the first time since Manziel won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday in New York. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, however, was nowhere to be found in Aggieland — for good reason.

About that same time, the former Texas Tech quarterback was throwing the “guns up” in Lubbock and being introduced as the Red Raiders' new head coach in a rousing welcome home of his own.

Kingsbury's abrupt re-arrival to West Texas soothed any hard feelings toward coach Tommy Tuberville, who caught the university off guard over the weekend by splitting for Cincinnati.

“It feels like home, and this is where I've wanted to be,” Kingsbury said.

Kingsbury's A&M tenure wound up short but sweet, as he directed an offense that ranks third nationally with 552 yards per game. Kingsbury, 33, arrived in Aggieland a year ago along with first-year A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, and the duo quickly proved the big numbers they'd put up at Houston in the Conference USA would translate to the Southeastern Conference.

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Kingsbury, a New Braunfels High graduate, will primarily be remembered at A&M for developing Manziel, the SEC single-season record-holder for total yards, into a Heisman winner in only one season. Manziel tried comforting any stunned A&M fans via Twitter on Wednesday night.

“To all the people worried about Coach K leaving ... Coach Sumlin will always bring in the best and do anything to make sure we're successful,” Manziel wrote.

Sumlin, who attended the Houston Touchdown Club banquet Wednesday night, declined to comment on the departure of Kingsbury, who is the second-youngest coach in the FBS by less than a year to Toledo's Matt Campbell.

“He's prepared his whole life for this,” Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt told reporters. “He's ready, and I had no hesitation.”

Kingsbury played at Tech for current Washington State coach Mike Leach, still revered in West Texas and among Red Raiders everywhere for Tech's high-octane offense first triggered by Kingsbury more than a decade ago.

“Wreck 'em, Tech,” a smiling Kingsbury said in a video posted on Hocutt's Twitter account to announce the hiring.

Tuberville wrapped up his last of three seasons in Lubbock at 7-5, and the Red Raiders will face Minnesota on Dec. 28 in the Meineke Bowl in Houston. Tech offensive line coach Chris Thomsen will guide the Red Raiders against the Golden Gophers. The Aggies are 10-2 and will face 10-2 Oklahoma on Jan. 4 in the Cotton Bowl.

Kingsbury set 39 school records and 17 NCAA records in his time at Tech (1999-2002). He was the first in a string of successful quarterbacks under Leach, and Kingsbury since has imparted his wisdom on Houston quarterback Case Keenum — who wrapped up a record-setting career last season after leading the Cougars to a 13-1 record — and now Manziel.

Kingsbury has only been in coaching since 2008, following an eight-year pro career that included stops with five NFL teams as a backup. He called the plays at A&M, so Sumlin will figure out who will handle those duties in the bowl game.

As for Kingsbury's replacement? Manziel threw his helmet in the ring for current Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who graduated from A&M in 1992 and led Lake Travis High to consecutive state titles in 2008-09.

“Chad Morris back to his alma mater??” Manziel tweeted Wednesday night before later removing the tease.

Morris was also a finalist for the Tech job, but most Red Raiders fans had pined for Kingsbury the moment Tuberville bolted north.